Variety of Streptocarpus named Swen Kuren

ABSTRACT

A new variety of Streptocarpus plant is characterized by its small, narrow and flattened leaves. The plant has bouquet-type flowers standing above the leaf line. The flowers have a flattened appearance resulting from flat bottom petals and reflexed top petals.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofStreptocarpus× hybridus known by the varietal name of Swen Kuren. Thenew cultivar is the product of a selective breeding program and is ahybridization of English hybrids of which the standard was aStreptocarpus known by the varietal name Kolibri. The new cultivardiffers from the English hybrids in respect of color, early flowering,plant form and growth characteristics.

The new cultivar is generally characterized by its small, narrow andflattened leaves. The plant has bouquet-type flowers standing above theleaf line. The flowers have a flattened appearance resulting from flatbottom petals and reflexed top petals.

The new cultivar was discovered in 1979 in Reiskirchen, Federal Republicof Germany; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings in Reiskirchen,Federal Republic of Germany; and has been repeatedly asexuallyreproduced by cuttings at Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa.It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics throughsuccessive propagations.

The new cultivar, when grown in a greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa., hasa response time of eight weeks from a well-rooted young plant in a 21/4inch pot to a flowering plant in a 6 inch pot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing illustrates the new cultivar, the color beingas nearly true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which define these characteristics were collectedfrom asexual reproductions carried out by the Oglevee Floral Company inConnellsville, Pa. The plant history was taken on eight week plantsblossomed under natural light in a greenhouse and color readings weretaken indoors under 100 foot candles of cool white fluorescent light.Color references are to the R.H.S. color chart of The RoyalHorticultural Society of London unless noted differently.

Botanical classification: Gesneriaceae (Family); Streptocarpus× hybridus(Genus× species).

Flower:

Fully expanded.--6 Centimeters.

Borne.--In clusters of one to four flowers per flower stalk above thefoliage. Flower stalk arises from mid-rib of each leaf.

Stem.--Single, long, pubescent and round.

Form.--Funnel formed in an umbel with upper two petals reflexed andlower petals flattened to give overall flat appearance.

Permanence.--Long lasting 21 to 25 days.

Color:

Tonality from a distance.--Plum Purple 49 (Exotica III).

Front of petals.--Fan 2 Violet Group 88A.

Base of petals.--Splotch of Fan 2 Purple Group 77A with the bottom threepetals having veining Fan 2 Purple Group 79C extending into remainder ofpetals.

Reverse of petals.--Fan 2 Violet Group 84B.

Throat.--White with tint of Fan 1 Green Yellow Group 154D and speckledwith dark purple.

Discoloration.--Insignificant.

Petals:

Texture.--Satin.

Appearance.--Individually lobed with slightly cuneate margins; top twopetals reflexed and bottom three petals flat.

Arrangement.--Regularly united into an elliptical form.

Persistence.--21 To 25 days and remains on plant in dry form untilpicked.

Fragrance.--None.

Reproductive organs:

Anthers.--Two per flower and attached.

Filament.--Attached to petals 2 centimeters up from base and freestanding 0.6 centimeter.

Pollen.--Nonfertile.

Pistil.--2 To 2.5 centimeters long.

Style.--White, 0.6 to 0.7 centimeter with green base.

Stigma.--Large, flattened and T-shaped; white.

Ovaries.--1.5 Centimeters, green with purplish cast.

Plant:

Form.--Leaves rosette from a crown at the soil line.

Growth.--A spreading, free flowing habit with leaves being elliptical.

Height from soil line.--8 To 12 centimeters.

Spread.--30 To 35 centimeters.

Foliage:

Size.--10 To 18 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide at widestpoint.

Quantity.--8 To 12 leaves.

Shape.--Elliptical.

Top side.--Fan 3 Green Group 137A.

Under side.--Fan 3 Green Group 139D.

Ribs and veins.--Pinnate.

Rib and vein color.--Fan 3 Green Group 144D.

Margin.--Cuneate with ruffling.

Leaf tips.--Obtuse.

Leaf base.--Acute.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Streptocarpus substantially as herein shown and described. 